### What is Basal Insulin and Its Role in Type 2 Diabetes Management? Basal insulin is a type of insulin therapy that acts as a background insulin to stabilize blood sugar levels during periods of fasting, such as between meals and while sleeping. It is essential for people with type 1 diabetes who cannot produce insulin. For those with type 2 diabetes, basal insulin may be recommended if the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to maintain healthy glucose levels. ### Types of Basal Insulin 1. **Intermediate-Acting Insulin**: NPH (Humulin N, Novolin N) 2. **Long-Acting Insulin**: Lantus (glargine), Basaglar, Detemir (Levemir) 3. **Ultra-Long-Lasting Insulin**: Tresiba (degludec) ### Benefits of Basal Insulin Basal insulin provides greater flexibility as it needs to be injected only once or twice a day, unlike mealtime insulin which must be taken before each meal. This long-acting insulin helps keep blood sugar stable for extended periods. ### How to Inject Basal Insulin - **Injection Sites**: Abdomen, arm, or thigh - **Method**: Use an insulin pen or syringe. Inject into the tissue under the skin, not into muscles or veins. - **Rotation**: Rotate injection sites to avoid fatty deposits that can reduce insulin absorption. ### Dosage and Fine-Tuning Your doctor will determine the initial dose based on your weight and may adjust it later. Typically, the starting dose is 10 units at bedtime, but many people require between 40 and 50 units. Monitor your blood sugar levels to ensure the dosage is effective. ### Potential Side Effects - **Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)**: Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, and confusion. Eat a few crackers or candy to reverse it. - **Allergic Reactions**: Itchiness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Consult your doctor if these occur. ### Conclusion Basal insulin is crucial for managing blood sugar levels in diabetes. Follow your doctor's instructions and monitor your blood sugar regularly to avoid complications. If you experience any issues, consult your doctor for adjustments.